Answers

I ordered Model #31224, 7000 kw w/Honda 13hp back on 11/20/98. It
finally arrived 02/18/99 via freight company. It was originally
promised in December and again in January and finally the end of
February. The customer service rep at Harbor Freight said they are
now telling their customers it will be a six-month wait. And, of
course, they charge your credit card immediately -- said the company
won't even consider an order unless prepaid.

I've read lately that it is illegal to charge a credit card before the order is shipped. Don't know the truth of this. I can see the logic -- the card-holder is paying interest on money he/she has in effect lent to the shipper. While the shipper earns interest on the money advanced. Doesn't seem fair.

I went round and round with the people at Harbor Freight about them
running my card through before the generator was delivered. They
asked if I wanted my money back several times, that what I had
purchased was the P.O. for the generator. They would gladly refund
my money but the generator would never come. Legal or not, that's
the way it works in today's market. Their attitude was take it or
leave it, it's going to take 4 to 6 months for delivery. Oh, well,
it came and it's paid for by now.

Check out Northern Tool at (800)533-5545. hey are suppose to be the
largest generator dealer in the country and have many units in stock.
If they need to order something the lead times are pretty short.

Need to Know: I also bought a Generac, the 4000XL. Yours is (I
believe) 2 models up from mine. I think the Generac's are fine
products, probably the best value out there. And I think the OHV
industrial engines in our generators are as good as the Honda's. I
fired mine up this weekend for the first time, worked great.

I recently placed an order for a generator from a China Diesel
distributor. The credit card charging issue was a non-issue because
they are not acceptable! A cashiers check is required, no ifs, ands
or buts.